State police warn of increase in thefts targeting abandoned vehicles

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INDIANAPOLIS – If your car breaks down on the interstate, you should try to get it moved as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you may end up being a victim of theft, according to the Indiana State Police.

State police have noticed a recent trend on the east side of the Indianapolis interstate system in which drivers whose cars have broken down return to find their tires and rims gone. It’s happened three times within the last four days, state police said.

In order to combat the problem, state troopers will place a greater focus on abandoned vehicles. Troopers plan to check abandoned vehicles at the beginning of each shift and look out for cars that stop next to those vehicles.

Abandoned vehicles on U.S. highways and state roads need to be moved within 24 hours. Interstates inside I-465 have a two-hour limit as set by INDOT. All other roads have a limit of 72 hours.

In the case of inclement weather, state police are authorized to remove abandoned vehicles immediately for safety reasons.

Drivers can report criminal activity along the interstate with abandoned vehicles by calling 911 or the Indiana State Police Indianapolis District at (317) 899-8577.